Rethinking solidarity

I once saw teachers' unions as the enemy. I now know better.

There was a time, not all that long ago, when you asked me about teachers’ unions, I would have told you they were the biggest obstacle to educational progress.

I once said unions have “ISIS-like clarity” about their hatred for reformers, reform, and accountability, and we must match their energy.

Name a customary critique of teachers’ unions, I’ve lodged it.

Unions oppose testing because they want to hide their failure from kids of color.

They are recalcitrant and only care about steps and lanes.

They want more money and less accountability.

They kill school choice bills because they want to trap our kids in schools where teachers earn pensions on the backs of kids who will never earn pensions.

Check, check, check, and check.

And, yet, this past week, this was me:

Yes, that's me with Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association. When I bumped into her at the Education Writers Association conference last week, it was with a different set of eyes, ears, and thinking than I've ever had.

I was happy to see her and to tell her in person how vital her role is today.

So, what changed from the days when I saw heckling the NEA and AFT as a core part of my daily job duties?

How did I come to see them differently?

Good question. I'm glad you asked.